We had managed a small piece of giant-killing in the first round of the Knock-Out Cup, but when we were drawn against Hailsham United, the team that was in second place in the A Division, it was always likely to be a bit beyond us. Nevertheless, we produced a creditable performance and weren't embarassed.
We had to defend for much of the first five minutes, and Jamie Hards was forced into action early on, but we started to get into the game and held our own until Hailsham took the lead after fifteen minutes with a terrific strike that gave the goalie no chance. We continued to make a fight of it and gave as good as we got for much of the rest of the half, but unluckily conceded another goal just before half time.
We continued to compete in the second half but conceded a further three goals. The boys never gave up and finished the game strongly, and were unlucky not to get a consolation goal.
There were good performances throughout the team: Jamie Hards had to be alert and made some good saves; the back four worked hard, particularly Tom Ryan and Martin Hill, but Chris Newbury was chosen as man-of-the-match for a massive performance at the heart of midfield. |